Walter Allen, 92

Walter Paul Allen, age 92, of Elmwood, died Thursday, March 8, at the Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home in Elmwood.

Walter was born March 2, 1920, in Sullivan, Mo. He was the son of Walter Franklin and Pearl (Studdard) Allen. Walter grew up in the Valley Park area just outside of St. Louis. Walter graduated from Sullivan High School and enlisted in the United States Army. He made the Army his first career and served during WWII in the North African campaign against Brig. General Rommel and in Italy protecting the Vatican. Walter became a ballistics specialist. While home on leave from the U.S. Army, he met his first wife, Theresa Neuner, at a dance in Linn, Mo. Theresa died in 1972. After his retirement from the U.S. Army, Walter immediately began civilian work for the U.S. government ultimately attaining the rank of Commander in Chief of Special Services. He traveled the world: taught under the Department of Defense; was an advisor to the Chinese Nationalist Government; worked with Ethiopian leader Haile Selassie; supervised military ballistics. Much of his work was considered as top secret. While in the military, Walter completed a business degree from Columbia University.

After 48 years of serving in and with the military, Walter retired in 1987. That same year Walter married Dorothy Binkowski in Elmwood. They purchased the Binkowski family farm where he has resided the rest of his life. Walter enjoyed living in the country and the country lifestyle. He enjoyed building clocks (including grandfather clocks), reading, traveling, operas, nature, taking walks, and listening to good classical or country western music.

Walter is survived by his wife, Dorothy; a daughter, Drusilla Lynn (Anthony) Albus of Jefferson City, Mo.; a granddaughter, Lisa (Greg) Bowman of Overland Park, Kan.; one grandson, Jason (Janna) Dake of Houston, Texas; four great-grandsons, Justin Dake, Matthew Bowman, Jared and Jacob Dake; a sister, Pearl Mashaney of Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Theresa; seven brothers and three sisters.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood with Rev. Kevin Louis and Walters's nephew Rev. Christopher Cordes officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Crain-Ottman American Legion Post 207 of Elmwood. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. Wednesday until the time of the services at the church.

Rhiel Funeral Home of Elmwood is serving the family.

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